Caudal Abdomen Research Articles

Simple Ectopic Kidney in Three Dogs

Simple ectopic kidney was diagnosed in three dogs by means of radiography and ultrasonography. A 2-year-old castrated male Schnauzer, a 13-year-old female Schnauzer and a 9-year-old male Jindo were referred with vomiting, hematuria and ocular discharge, respectively. In all three dogs, oval-shaped masses with soft tissue density were observed in the mid to caudal abdomen bilaterally or unilaterally, and kidney silhouettes were not identified at the proper anatomic places on abdominal radiographs. Ultrasonography confirmed the masses were malpositioned kidney. The ectopic kidneys had relatively small size, irregular shape and short ureter but showed normal function on excretory urography.

Ischial ostectomy in direct end-to-end anastomosis of the pelvic urethra in male dogs

Ischial ostectomy in conjunction with direct end-to-end anastomosis of the pelvic urethra was performed after prostatectomy in cadavers of 10 male dogs with normal bladder and urethra, and in a mongrel dog with an enlarged prostrate and transection injury of the pelvic urethra. In the cadavers, tension on the suture line was assessed from the intravesical pressure (IVP) and volume of normal saline solution (NSS) instilled into the bladder to cause dehiscence of the anastomosis before and after the ostectomy. The experiment found that the IVP and instilled NSS volume after the ischial ostectomy were significantly (p<0.01) higher than those before the ostectomy, suggesting the ostectomy can reduce tension on the suture line and risk of dehiscence. Clinically, the dog had uneventful recovery with normal urination. Fluoroscopic examination of the caudal abdomen at 3 and 16weeks after surgery revealed urethral continuity without perforation and narrowing of the anastomosis site.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Cryptorchidectomy in an Adult Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

A successful laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy is reported in a novel species, the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The procedure was performed in an 8-year-old adult positioned in dorsolateral oblique recumbency, with an open approach midline subumbilical placement of the primary 10 mm optical port and carbon dioxide insufflation at 12 mmHg. Three 5 mm instrument ports were inserted under visualization in the left caudal abdomen as the retained testicle was localized to the internal inguinal ring. A 5 mm flexible organ retractor was used to assist in localizing the retained testicle. This procedure provided a less invasive alternative to open laparotomy. The authors are unaware of any published reports of laparoscopy in reindeer, or of laparoscopic assisted cryptorchidectomy in deer species.

Multicentric lymphoma in a male Labrador retriever dog

Multicentric lymphoma (grade V) was diagnosed in a 7-year-old dog with listlessness, excessive panting and generalized lymphadenopathy. Hematological examination showed reduced RBC and platelet count and severe increase in leukocyte count with 90% of lymphocytes and 10% of neutrophils. Radiographic examination showed soft tissue masses (sublumbar lymph nodes) in caudal abdomen and mild liver enlargement. Prostate gland and spleen were also enlarged. There were no other abnormalities in abdominal and thoracic radiography, and metastatic mass couldn’t be found in the lungs. Histopathological examination of the right popliteal lymph node showed large neoplastic lymphoblasts, and the immunophenotype of the tumor showed B-cell origin with CD3 and CD20 expression. Treatment with systemic chemotherapy was initiated in an attempt to induce remission using cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolon (COP) in doses recommended in the literature. Currently, the patient is clinically doing very well with a good appetite, adequate weight gain, increased activity level, decreased lymph node size, and return to normal attitude.

Evaluation of a Transvaginal Laparoscopic Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Approach to the Abdomen of Mares

To report natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) using laparoscopic and endoscopic instrumentation transvaginally into the mare's abdomen and identify structures visible using this approach. Descriptive experimental study. Mares (n=8). A standing, transvaginal approach was made in the cranial vaginal vault at either the 1 (right; 4 mares) or 11 (left; 4 mares) o'clock position relative to the cervix. The abdomen was visually explored and the viscera evaluated using a 2 m flexible endoscope followed by a 62 cm laparoscope. Incisional healing was monitored by vaginoscopy at days 3 and 7. Abdominal exploration was adequate through either a left or a right transvaginal approach. Endoscopically, the left kidney, spleen, nephrosplenic space, stomach, cecum, duodenum, left and right ovaries, diaphragm, and caudal peritoneal reflection were consistently observed and the liver inconsistently. Similar views of the caudal abdomen were obtained with the laparoscope; however, we were unable to view cranially beyond the nephrosplenic space or base of the cecum and lateral mobility of the laparoscope was limited. Incisional closure was evident at 3 days. Complications in 1 mare included mild colic behavior that resolved with conservative treatment. The NOTES transvaginal approach is seemingly well tolerated and safe and provides adequate observation of most structures within the dorsal caudal region of the abdomen on the side of endoscope or laparoscope insertion. NOTES transvaginal approach may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of intraabdominal disorders in mares.

Uterine Leiomyoma in a Spayed Poodle Bitch: A Case Report

A 16-year-old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of tenesmus, with the ability to attract male dogs and a willingness to mate. The dog had undergone an ovariohysterectomy when it was 7 years old. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated leucocytosis and a mild uraemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of superficial cells, accounting for at least 80% of the cells. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous multicystic mass at the caudal abdomen and two masses with anechoic areas adjacent to the caudal pole of each kidney. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified a uterine mass and residual ovaries that were surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a leiomyoma. The left ovary had a cystic structure and the right ovary had a papillary cystic adenoma. Seven months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a uterine leiomyoma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.

Primary Prostatic Leiomyosarcoma With Pulmonary Metastases in a Dog

A 6-year-old, intact male Jack Russell terrier was diagnosed with a mass in the caudal abdomen, and ultrasound revealed a large prostatic mass. A total-body computed tomography scan was performed for staging, and lung nodules were detected. Histological examination showed a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in interlacing fascicles. Immunohistochemical staining revealed cells were cytokeratin negative and immunoreactive for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin; cells stained with desmin and S-100 were negative. A diagnosis of primary prostatic leiomyosarcoma with pulmonary metastases was made. This is one of the rare cases of primary prostatic mesenchymal tumor in the canine species.

Antinociceptive, sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of subarachnoid and epidural xylazine-lidocaine in xylazine-sedated calves

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antinociceptive, sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of subarachnoid and epidural administration of xylazine-lidocaine in xylazine-sedated calves. Study designProspective, crossover study. AnimalsSix clinically healthy Holstein calves. MaterialsThe calves were allocated randomly to receive two treatments, subarachnoid or epidural xylazine (0.025 mg kg−1)–lidocaine (0.1 mg kg−1) diluted to a total volume of 5 mL with physiological saline. Prior to either epidural or subarachnoid injection, sedation was induced in all calves by intravenous administration of 0.1 mg kg−1 xylazine. The quality and duration of antinociception and sedation were monitored. Areas of the cranial abdomen, umbilicus, and caudal abdomen were evaluated for antinociception using pinprick tests with a scoring system of 0–3 (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, complete). Sedation was assessed by using a 4-point scale (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, deep). The following cardiopulmonary variables were monitored: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood pH, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess (BE), and oxygen saturation (SaO2). ResultsXylazine sedation and subarachnoid xylazine-lidocaine resulted in significantly higher nociceptive block than the epidural technique. Moreover, subarachnoid xylazine-lidocaine induced a significantly longer duration of complete antinociception (median [IQR]) in the cranial abdomen (15.0 [15.0–30.0] versus 7.5 [1.3–10.0] minutes; p < 0.05) and umbilicus (45.0 [32.5–57.5] versus 10.0 [6.3–17.5] minutes; p < 0.05) compared with epidural xylazine-lidocaine. There was moderate sedation with both techniques. In both treatments, blood pH, MAP and PaO2 decreased significantly, and PaCO2 increased significantly during anaesthesia. No change was evident in HR, fR, HCO3, BE, or SaO2. Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe subarachnoid injection provided better quality and longer duration of antinociception than epidural administration of the same doses of xylazine-lidocaine in xylazine-sedated calves, while cardiopulmonary depressant effects were observed with both regimens.

Clinical Anatomy and Surgical Repair of Prepubic Hernia in Dogs and Cats

Prepubic hernia is a traumatic hernia in small animals, most often associated with severe trauma to the caudal abdomen. Common causes include vehicular trauma, dog fights, and kicks by large animals. Rupture of the prepubic tendon in dogs and of its equivalent in cats results in a ventral abdominal hernia. Due to the traumatic nature of the injury, concurrent injuries are frequently seen. Clinical signs of herniation are often nonspecific, and the resultant hernia may not be readily apparent during routine physical examination. This being so, diagnosis is often based on a thorough physical examination in conjunction with abdominal radiography and, possibly, abdominal ultrasonography. Multiple methods of repair of prepubic hernia have been reported, and survival rates are quite good if concurrent injuries are not severe.

Two Unusual Cases of Canine Prostatitis: Prostatitis in a Castrated Dog and Preputial Oedema in an Intact Male

In this study, two unusual presentations of canine prostatitis are described; in the first case a 10-years-old neutered Boxer dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Extremadura with a complaint of anorexia, apathy and preputial discharge. In the second case, a local veterinarian referred an 8-years-old male Labrador to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Extremadura. The dog had a history of pain in the caudal abdomen and preputial oedema. The final diagnosis in both cases was acute prostatitis. It is concluded that although canine prostatitis is a common disease, sometimes can have presentations that may differ from those classically described in the literature.

Characterization and quantification of ceramides in the nonlesional skin of canine patients with atopic dermatitis compared with controls

As in humans, there is mounting evidence in support of an abnormal skin barrier contributing to the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies in people with AD have associated an abnormal skin barrier with deficiencies in ceramides, which represent important components of the stratum corneum (SC) intercellular lipid lamellae. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if the SC of dogs with AD is deficient in ceramides compared to normal dogs. Samples of SC were obtained from nonlesional skin of the caudal abdomen of 14 patients with AD and 14 age-, breed- and sex-matched healthy controls using a cyanoacrylate stripping procedure, and the subclass and relative amount of ceramides were assessed blindly by thin layer chromatography. Paired t-tests using R statistical computer software revealed the percentage amounts of ceramides 1 and 9 were significantly lower in nonlesional skin of AD dogs compared to controls (P= 0.034 and P= 0.047, respectively), and the cholesterol percentage amount was significantly higher in AD dogs than in controls (P= 0.016). Furthermore, the cholesterol/ceramide ratio was significantly higher in the AD group with respect to controls (P= 0.014). These findings suggest that decreased amounts of ceramides in the skin of dogs with AD may be involved in the impaired barrier function of their skin.

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.

Pelvic osteosarcoma ressection in a bitch: case report

An osteosarcoma involving the pelvis was diagnosed in a 9-year-old neutered Labrador bitch. The clinical signs manifested by the patient before surgical removal of the tumor included urinary difficulty, dyschezia, and inconstant non-weight-bearing on the hindlimbs. These signs were linked to the localization of the tumor, which was identified as a firm and painful mass of the size of an orange in the caudal abdomen. The favorable short term clinical results after surgery and carboplatin chemotherapy showed that the association of these approaches can be employed to manage discomfort inflicted by tumor and, therefore improve the quality of life of patient of bone cancer.

Tissue vaccines for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer

Tissue vaccines are produced from harvested tumor material and contain a tremendously large menu of antigens, including those expressed only during in vivo growth and those associated with tumor stroma. Production of tissue vaccines from xenogeneic sources not only presents a means to overcome immunologic tolerance of tumors, but also represents a means to greatly expand availability of vaccine raw material compared to autologous vaccines. To determine if vaccination with tissue vaccines is a potential strategy for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, we evaluated the utility of tissue vaccines derived from glutardehyde-fixed tumor (GFT) tissue and potassium thiocyanate extract (PTE) of tumor tissue. Subcutaneous tumors generated in Lobund-Wistar (LW) rats with the PAIII prostate cancer line were harvested, dissociated, and treated with 3% glutaraldehyde or prepared as an extract with potassium thiocyanate. To evaluate prevention of prostate cancer, groups of thirty LW rats were treated with intravenous methylnitrosourea (30mg/kg) to induce autochthonous prostate tumors and were then vaccinated subcutaneously (SC) monthly from 2 to 10 months of age with either media (MEM), GFT or PTE. At 12 months of age, gross and histological examination of prostates showed 50% and 90% reductions in the incidence of prostate cancer in PTE- and GFT-vaccinated rats, respectively, compared to media-vaccinated controls (Fig. 1). Using the same model, groups of rats underwent weekly vaccination with MEM or GFT when palpable tumors were first detected in the caudal abdomen to evaluate the utility of tissue vaccines as a treatment for prostate cancer. Though size of the primary tumor was not significantly reduced, 70% of GFT-vaccinated rats were free of metastasis compared to only 10% of controls (Fig. 2). To determine if this vaccine could be used as a xenogeneic preparation for human prostate cancer, immunocompetent Ncr-Foxn1<nu> mice were vaccinated SC with the GFT vaccine; their splenocytes harvested 7 days after the last boost and co-incubated with human PC346 prostate cancer cells (Group 1); and orthotopically transplanted into syngeneic BALB/c nu/nu mice. Groups of 20 nu/nu mice were treated this way or with PC346 cells co-incubated with splenocytes from media-vaccinated mice (Group 2); or transplanted with untreated PC346 cells (Group 3). Ten weeks later, the mice were euthanized and prostates evaluated for tumor growth. The incidence of prostate cancer was reduced by 70% in Group 1 mice compared to those in Groups 2 and 3, indicating that this vaccine has xenogeneic efficacy. In summary, tissue vaccines represent a means to harvest numerous powerful and novel antigens which cannot be captured in any other way, and which can be effectively used to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

Acute gaseous peritonitis after rupture of a retroperitoneal rectal diverticulum in a dog

An 11-year-old, entire male coton de tulear was presented on emergency with acute and severe depression, acute abdominal pain and vomiting of 24 hours duration. Historical complaints included right perineal swelling, dyschezia and tenesmus of 18 months duration. Abdominal ultrasonography and radiography suggested a pneumoperitoneum and positive-contrast colonography showed leakage of contrast medium into the caudal abdomen and the presence of a large retroperitoneal pouch. Exploratory laparotomy allowed the visualisation of faecal leakage from the retroperitoneal space into the peritoneal cavity. Using a perineal approach, a large necrotised rectal diverticulum filled with faeces was found over the retroperitoneal structures. A standard herniorrhaphy was then performed. The dog recovered uneventfully and dyschezia did not recur at the nine month follow-up. Rectal diverticulum rupture associated with peritonitis has not been described in the veterinary literature, to the authors' knowledge, and should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in dogs being presented with gaseous peritonitis.

Reproductive abnormalities in aged female Macaca fascicularis

Spontaneous reproductive tract abnormalities occurred in six female wild-caught, Philippine-origin, Macaca fascicularis. These animals were between 19 and 22 years of age and maintained in captivity for approximately 15 years. Clinical presentations ranged from asymptomatic to painful menses manifested as cyclical recumbency and lethargy. All animals had masses in the caudal ventral abdomen. Diagnostics included physical examination, complete blood counts, clinical chemistries, radiography, and ultrasonography. All animals had an ovariosalpingohysterectomy. Histologic diagnoses included ovarian granulosa cell tumor, ovarian pseudocystic cavitation with encapsulating fibrosis, uterine smooth muscle hyperplasia, uterine leiomysarcoma, and uterine leiomyoma with possible adenomyosis. The abnormalities discovered in these animals present novel insight into the reproductive diseases prevalent in geriatric female M. fascicularis, which vary from that previously reported in other non-human primate species.

Choriocarcinoma with Metastasis in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi)

A 3-year-old female rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) presented with apathy and indisposition for 2-3 days. Palpation revealed a mass in the caudal abdomen, namely, in the wall of the uterus. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and the tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. The mass consisted of 3 different (trophoblastic, syncytiotrophoblastic, and cytotrophoblastic) neoplastic cell types originating from the uterus. Immunohistochemistry was positive for cytokeratin in all 3 neoplastic cell types, and the syncytiotrophoblasts were positive also for human chorionic gonadotropin. Together these features allow the diagnosis choriocarcinoma. This report documents the first case of a spontaneous choriocarcinoma in a rabbit.

Adenokarzinom in der Harnblase einer männlichen Fischkatze ( Prionailurus viverrinus Benett, 1833)

A 12-year-old male fishing cat ( Prionailurus viverrinus) was presented with apathia, haematuria and dysuria-stranguria. The clinical examination revealed a firm mass in the caudal abdomen. Blood- and urinanalysis were performed as well as X-rays and sonography, which showed a mass in the bladder and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Subsequent laparotomy revealed a tumor protruding from the wall of the bladder and a small perforation. Furthermore, firm nodules in the stomach wall, omentum and ileosacral lymphnodes were detected. Due to the age of the cat and invasiveness of the tumor euthanasia was elected. The histopathological diagnosis was: invasive adenocarcinoma of the bladder, stomach, omentum and metastases in the ileosacral lymphnodes. In contrast to the rare bladder tumors in domestic cats, there are several reports on transitional cell tumors in fishing cats. But to the authors knowledge there are no reports on adenocarcinomas of the bladder.

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Transitional cell Carcinoma of the urinary bladder

The most common cancer of the dog urinary bladder is invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of intermediate to high grade. TCC is a malignant tumor, i.e. cancer that develops from the transitional epithelial cells that line the bladder. In dogs, this tumor invades into the deeper layers of the bladder wall including the bladder muscles. Canine TCC also has the ability to spread to lymph nodes and to other organs in the body (lung, liver, others). TCC most frequently is found in the bladder, but can also develop in the kidneys, ureters, and prostate. HISTORY A Ten-year-old, male, local breed dog was referred to the Batna University, Surgery and imaging service for further investigation after a two-month duration of intermittent haematuria. The dog was alert, had a normal appetite and failed to respond to vigorous treatment for bacterial cystitis. Physical examination revealed tensed abdomen and a pale mucous membrane. A large firm mass was palpable in the caudal abdomen. Hematological profiles indicated a normal haemogram. Elevated alkaline phosphatase (225 units) activities with normal levels of blood urea nitrogen (13 mg%) and creatinine (0.8 mg%) were identified on the serum biochemical analyses. Plain abdominal radiography showed a normal hepatic and kidney size with a marked distension of urinary bladder without any evidence of radiopague calculi. ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION

Intraabdominal torsion of a neoplastic testicle and prostatic cyst in a cryptorchid dog

The present report describes a case of a nine-year old male bilaterally cryptorchid boxer presented with testicular torsion and concurrent prostatic cyst. Clinical signs included anorexia, locomotor difficulty and apathy. Abdominal palpation revealed the presence of a hard and painful mass in caudal abdomen. Ultrasonographic findings were compatible with testicular torsion and prostatic cyst, confirmed at surgery. Bilateral orchiectomy and omentalisation were performed. Histopathological examination of the torsed testicle revealed alterations consistent with seminoma.